A fine hard bop-based pianist,
Joe Mulholland performs ten of his originals on this modern straight-ahead date. On most of the selections he is joined by bassist
Bob Nieske, drummer
Matt Wilson, trumpeter
Ken Cervenka,
Michael Moss on alto and soprano, and trombonist
Gary Valente. "Astor's Ghost" uses different musicians in addition to the leader and
Nieske. The music ranges from a blues and a modern tango to the waltz "Café Tables," and it makes one wonder why
Joe Mulholland (who is based in Massachusetts) is not better known. Recommended.